Going for Hybrid Crops Breeding in Nepal: Strategies and Policy Dimensions

Khusi Ram Tiwari; Dilip Raj Panthee; Bal Krishna Joshi; Kalidas Subedi

doi:10.59552/nppr.v3i1.66

Authors

Khusi Ram Tiwari Bayer Crop Science
Dilip Raj Panthee North Carolina State University, USA
Bal Krishna Joshi Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Nepal
Kalidas Subedi Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59552/nppr.v3i1.66

Keywords:

Hybrid crop breeding, agriculture policy, crop breeding strategy

Abstract

Crop Breeding programs were initiated in Nepal in 1951 with a focus on the varietal improvement of cereal crops. These varieties, however, have limited impact in the farmers' field due to their low adaptation and low yield potentials. Nepal annually imports hybrid seeds of cereals, vegetables, and flowers from India, China, and elsewhere costing billions of Rupees. It is estimated that approximately 73% of the vegetable seeds and over 60% of the hybrid seeds of maize and rice are imported annually. Hybrid seeds generally produce 20-25% more yield than conventional varieties. Despite this fact, only about 15% of maize and <10% of rice acreage in Nepal has hybrid seeds compared to over 50-60% in China. Nepal is behind in developing policies for genetic innovations, including genetics and breeding, utilizing genetic diversity, and using new biotechnological traits such as golden rice and drought tolerant wheat which could be important for Nepal in the future. Nepal has the technical knowledge, skilled human resources, and appropriate environment to produce hybrid and improved seeds of most of the crops in Nepal, but there is a lack of proper policies in place. Nepal can learn lessons from our neighboring countries, including India, China, Philippines, and Bangladesh, which are highly engaged in new technology of crop genetics, hybrid breeding, proper Plant Variety Protection (PVP) laws, and private-sector entrepreneurship. In addition, Nepal should aim to be self-sufficient and export quality hybrid seeds of cereals and vegetables that can be produced in its diverse geographies and production niches.

Author Biographies

Khusi Ram Tiwari, Bayer Crop Science

Dr. Khusi Ram Tiwari studied agricultural sciences from IAAS Rampur, Chitawan, Nepal and worked for department of Agriculture, Nepal. He completed his Ph.D. in 1998 from University of Manitoba, Canada in Genetics and Plant Breeding. Dr. Tiwari has worked as a plant breeder over 25 years in the USA and is currently working as a Principal Plant Breeder for Bayer Crop Science, USA. He collaborates with scientists globally from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America to develop new crop varieties. He is also an adjunct Professor at Mississippi State University, Mississippi. Dr. Tiwari has published several research articles in peer reviewed journals and books. He has been granted more than 60 US patents from the US patent office in crop plants.

Dilip Raj Panthee, North Carolina State University, USA

Dr. Dilip R Panthee is an Associate Professor and Tomato Breeder at the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Dr. Panthee received his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA and MPhil in Plant Breeding and from The University of Birmingham and Reading, UK, in 1997. Dr. Panthee has released ten hybrid cultivars, 19 breeding lines of tomato, and three soybean breeding lines. He has published over 80 journal articles, 10 book chapters, more than 75 abstracts, and research reports. He has received ten various professional awards for his contribution to the scientific community.

Bal Krishna Joshi, Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Nepal

Dr. Bal Krishna Joshi received PhD in Agricultural Science from Japan. Dr. Joshi has been working on agrobiodiversity conservation and utilization since last 25 years and have developed and identified 101 good practices and approaches. Dr. Joshi has significant scientific contribution on in the field of Plant Genetics and Breeding, Agrobiodiversity and related policy, Biotechnology, Statistics, Conservation Science, Geographical information system, and Climate smart plant breeding. Dr. Joshi has served as an Editor-in-Chief in Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council and Nepal Agriculture Research Journal. He has received 12 different awards including National Technology Award, and Science and Technology Youth Award. His major thrust is to make native agricultural genetic resources competent globally.

Kalidas Subedi, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada

Dr. Kalidas Subedi is an agricultural scientist, currently working with the Government of Canada as Project Lead/Study Director. He has extensive knowledge and experience of agriculture research, technology transfer and project management, gained through working with different national and international research and development organizations. Dr. Subedi has earned his Ph.D. degree in crop physiology and plant nutrition and M.Sc. Degree in Tropical Agriculture Development from the University of Reading, UK. Dr. Subedi has published over 60 papers in leading international peer-reviewed journals, books and book chapters, and over 200 research papers, training manuals, and proceedings in different aspects of agriculture.

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